An Attempt at Absolute¹⁴C Dating

Abstract

The accepted state-of-the-art 14C dating method relies on calibration curves to determine initial 14C levels in a sample. The paper reconsiders the basis of 14C dating and offers a possible alternative that eliminates the need to employ calibration curves. The idea is to measure the level of radiogenic nitrogen atoms retained in the sample molecules after 14C β-decay. The practicality of this alternative method still has to be proven.

Radiocarbon dating coming of age

“…A first attempt at such an absolute 14 C dating has been reported [78], where the possibility was discussed that the low energy of the recoiling, radiogenic 14 N* atoms (< 7eV) after the beta decay of 14 C would lead to a considerable retention probability of 14 N* at the site of the parent 14 C atom in an organic molecule. Currently, it is still an open question whether the ensuing minute changes of the molecular properties in a sample material can be traced with the required sensitivity.…”

The Half-Life of 14C—Why Is It So Long?

“…The exact value of the half-life would only matter if absolute dating with 14 C discussed some 20 years ago (Szabo et al 1998) could be implemented. It would require to measure the ratio of 14 C/ 14 N*, where 14 N* is the radiogenic decay product of 14 C. This, however, seems quite impossible because one would have to identify the minute amount of 14 N* in the presence of the "ocean" of normal 14 N we live in.…”

Accelerator mass spectrometry: state of the art and perspectives

“…Although radiocarbon dating has made a big difference in establishing absolute time frames in archaeology, the 'wiggly' calibration curve often limits the precision [44]. There have been some attempts to overcome this problem by developing absolute 14 C dating [45], i.e. to measure both 14 C and its decay product 14 N*, and not only the 14 C/ 12 C ratio as in standard 14 C dating.…”